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Best Campgrounds near Paonia, CO

1,224 Reviews

Paonia, Colorado provides various camping options in western Colorado's North Fork Valley. The Campground at Big B's Delicious Orchards offers a unique experience with tent sites nestled among apple trees and options for RV camping, cabins, and glamping platforms. Sage View Ranch, located in Paonia proper, features eclectic accommodations including cabin rentals, tent sites, and RV spaces with electrical hookups. Crawford State Park's Iron Creek Campground, approximately 15 miles south of Paonia, provides developed sites with water and electric hookups suitable for both tent and RV camping. The surrounding public lands also offer dispersed camping opportunities, particularly in areas near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Camping in this region varies significantly by season, with most developed campgrounds operating from late spring through fall. Crawford State Park remains open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for cold conditions. Summer temperatures can be intense at lower elevations, with limited shade at many sites. Campground facilities range from primitive to partially developed, with Iron Creek offering electric and water hookups but no sewer connections at individual sites. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and harvest season when the area hosts numerous agricultural festivals. As one camper noted, "Beautifully maintained...The host took such care of this campground. Every time we saw someone leave they would clean out the fire pits and rack the gravel."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews at Crawford State Park, where lakeside sites provide scenic views and recreational opportunities. Sites 22 through 39 at Iron Creek Campground are particularly sought after for their proximity to the water, though several reviews mention that reservoir levels can be low during drought conditions. The Big B's orchard camping environment offers a different experience with proximity to a working orchard, restaurant, and farm store. Reviews highlight the unique setting but note limited privacy between campsites. At Sage View Ranch, visitors appreciate the distinctive accommodations and rural setting. A camper described it as "an amazing trip to the ranch...listening to the wonderful goats during the day, enjoying peace and tranquility." Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like fire pits and picnic tables, with varying levels of bathroom facilities from vault toilets to shower houses.

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Best Camping Sites Near Paonia, Colorado (246)

    1. South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    67 Reviews
    Montrose, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 249-1914

    $20 - $34 / night

    "The South Rim Campground is similar to other national park campground in that it provides convenient access to park activities and trails, but it stands apart due to the fact that the camping fees are"

    "Most of the outer sites are tucked into the forest so there is a decent level of privacy. Lots of deer frequent the area, we saw several on each trip."

    2. Iron Creek Campground — Crawford State Park

    15 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 921-5721

    $36 / night

    "Great view of the lake but the lake level was down so we weren't as close as you could be but still a great lake & mountain view. I have Verizon I had 2 to 3 bars & could stream Pandora."

    "Many vineyards close by. Joe Cocker (rock singer) had a ranch nearby."

    3. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    59 Reviews
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO
    24 miles
    Website

    "Great location right next to the park! There are plenty of sites and the views are beautiful. Entrance was slightly rutted so make sure you can off-road just a bit!"

    "A few minutes outside the south gate of the park. Multiple sites, most of which are on dirt. Paths to and from can be a bit rough for most passenger vehicles. But it’s quite and close to the park."

    4. The Campground at Big B’s Delicious Orchards

    6 Reviews
    Paonia, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 527-1110

    $25 - $170 / night

    "Campsites are a small piece of grassy area next to a pond or on an outside loop. Portable toilets only. Traffic noise at night."

    "Our only complaint was that it was quite hot (topped out near 100 degrees)."

    5. Sage View Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Paonia, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (303) 522-2210

    "Breathing mountain views, walking distance to the town and wine tasting, hanging with goats and chickens, peaceful, safe and definitely relaxing."

    "Location is hard to beat."

    6. BLM Cottonwood Grove Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lazear, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 240-5300

    "This campground is a gem as other reviewers have cited, BUT the road in is dangerous when wet as there is a lot of exposure off the edge. An AWD would be ok but still dicey on the downhills."

    "Plenty of distance between campsites. No electricity or water. 1 satellite toilet... and a great fishing dock and a small beach."

    7. North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    20 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 641-2337

    $20 / night

    "Driving through Colorado in the fall there is nothing which can compare. "

    "Camped one night on our road trip throughout southwestern Colorado. Campsites over look the canyon."

    8. Bogan Flats Campground Grp S

    27 Reviews
    Marble, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 927-0107

    $32 - $166 / night

    "Every year, my family (+- 10 people) heads somewhere in Colorado to camp over Labor Day. This year we headed up to Marble, CO and stayed at the Bogan Flats campground."

    "Lovely quite campground in the woods next to a river. We stayed on the side away from the river and I wish we had stayed on the river side, but it was still fantastic."

    9. Kebler Corner

    5 Reviews
    Somerset, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 929-5029

    $35 - $725 / night

    "It is quiet and peaceful next to the roaring of the river. Perfectly situated between Paonia (Big B’s cider) and Kebler pass leading to Crested Butte."

    "The tent spots were in a different area on the other side of the property a little away from the busier parts."

    10. Lost Lake Campground

    14 Reviews
    Crested Butte, CO
    21 miles
    Website

    "Lost Lake Campground near Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem that combines serene alpine beauty with a peaceful camping experience."

    "Aside from those things, this was a fantastic campground in a great location. Beautiful lakes with good fishing, well marked hiking trails, waterfalls(!)"

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Recent Camping Photos near Paonia, CO

396 Photos of 246 Paonia Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Paonia, CO

1224 Reviews of 246 Paonia Campgrounds

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    RV Ranch at Grand Junction

    Nice stop!

    We are passing through across country and stopped here over night. Booking was easy to do online. Campgrounds are clean and are easy to maneuver through with the map provided in our confirmation email. Full hookups provided on paved sites. Pull through and back in sites are available. There are two fenced in dog runs also at the campground for puppy exercise! There is a pool, but it is closed for the season I assume. Apple trees lined our site, so squished fruit can make a mess in your rig. We will definitely be back!

  • Hillary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Oh Be Joyful Campground

    Beautiful quiet campground

    This is a beautiful small campground with great trails nearby. Feels far from town, but really it's just a 20ish min drive into Crested Butte. There are also trails to bike or run into town. We filled water here. https://townofcrestedbutte.colorado.gov/rv-dump-station

    Docked it a star because the host really isn't around much. She was on site just one of our 4 days there. We talked to cyclists who spend a lot of time there and it sounds like that's about typical for her. It didn't impact our stay, but some others were complaining that someone else was occupying their spot despite them having a reservation. Since nobody is there to monitor, they get a lot of squatters.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Pyramid Rock Camp

    Not my favorite

    Do not go past the gravel road if it’s rained or going to rain. Most spots were close together or just out in the open which isn’t what I like personally. I managed to find one a bit farther out up the dirt road which turned to a mud pit on my way out the next morning after some rain. Was kind of fun honestly but would not recommend for 99% of vehicles after/during any rain. Be sure to check the forecast and steer clear if there’s any chance of rain. Also a bit buggy even in October.

  • Michael S.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    BLM Cottonwood Grove Campground

    Cottonwood Campground

    The road here is a bit rough but it is manageable for most vehicles its just sections that are rocky, the campsite is awesome you get some signal a bathroom lots of trails on the road and there's a river right beside you. Also firepits and not busy at all. There is no water hookup but thats fine

  • Katharina J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Dry Creek Ditch Camp off Forest Road 90

    Good for a night

    The space directly after the hairpin turn was taken so I stayed further up directly off the road, space for 2 or 3. Some traffic, but quiet at night. Exposed to wind, some trash & a firering made out of stones.

  • j
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Island Acres Section Camping — James M. Robb Colorado River State Park

    Loud

    This is a beautiful location right on the Colorado river. My girlfriend and I decided it would be a beautiful place to camp and we were only 20 feet from the river. There was a beautiful cliff on the other side of the river. There was a beautiful cliff behind us. Unfortunately, we discovered that we were about 100 feet from a railroad track on the other side of the river. Trains went by all night every half hour or so. On the back side was I-70. Semi trucks went by all night long. In the middle of the night we had jets flying directly overhead. Being as we were between two cliffs, we were sleeping in a giant echo chamber. It was, without a doubt, the loudest campground I have ever been in. If you want a good night’s sleep, I would suggest you find a campsite elsewhere.

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    Barely made it to the entrance

    The uphill to get to the camping in a 2WD van was not easy. It’s very steep and with the sun setting we couldn’t see the road and just floored it hoping we’d make it to the top without crashing… turned around and left immediately. Van lifers beware. We came when it was dry. Definitely do not come in the rain or snow.

  • Kathy J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Cedar Creek RV Park

    3 night stay

    Nice park. Wifi and T-Mobile service are good. Park is clean and front desk people are friendly and helpful. All spots are on gravel, but there is a large pet yard as well as a grassy area with a large play structure for the kids. Has onsite propane refill services. They pick up your tanks and bring them back, no muss, no fuss. Just let the front desk know and they will tell the propane guy your site number. Some road noise at night but nothing intrusive. We would stay here again.

Guide to Paonia

Camping near Paonia, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. For instance, the Chasm Trail at the North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park starts right from the campsite and provides amazing canyon views. One camper noted, "The trail to the rim is right behind the campground. It's a nice and cool spot during a hot summer."
  • Fishing: The Elk Creek Campground is close to great fishing spots in the Gunnison River. A visitor shared, "Fly fishing in the Gunnison as well as great fishing and swimming in Blue Mesa Reservoir is a short walk or drive."
  • Stargazing: Many campgrounds, like the South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, are known for their dark skies. One camper mentioned, "This is a dark sky park. Took photos of the stars."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. At the Iron Creek Campground — Crawford State Park, one reviewer said, "The bathrooms were super clean, showers were awesome."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Black Canyon Dispersed Camping noted, "Camp sites are neatly nestled into the trees to provide a decent level of privacy."
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Lake Irwin Campground provide breathtaking views. A camper remarked, "Beautiful day hiking and swimming."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping, lack basic facilities. A visitor warned, "No bathrooms or amenities."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. At the Elk Creek Campground, one camper shared, "We saw moose in the afternoon into evening."
  • Busy Seasons: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at Bogan Flats Campground Grp S mentioned, "This is a very busy campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Shade: Many campgrounds have limited shade. A reviewer at South Rim Campground suggested, "Bring a shade tent or shelter!"
  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby trails and water activities. At Crawford State Park, one family enjoyed, "Great loops for biking with kids."
  • Safety Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife. A camper at Elk Creek Campground advised, "Bear spray may be a good idea."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Redstone White River National Forest noted, "The sites are large and spaced out, which is great."
  • Be Prepared for Wind: Some campgrounds can get windy. A camper at Elk Creek Campground mentioned, "The wind is pretty bad. Seems like it gets windy every day."
  • Watch for Rodents: Be cautious of rodents at certain sites. A visitor at Crawford State Park shared, "The campground has a serious rodent issue."

Camping near Paonia, Colorado, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With a little planning, you can enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Paonia, Colorado?

Several excellent campgrounds surround Paonia. Erickson Springs offers a rustic experience right on Anthracite Creek, just off Kebler Pass Road. It's a basic USFS campground with good hiking access to Dark Canyon in the Raggeds Wilderness and fishing opportunities. Another great option is Kebler Corner, situated between Paonia and Kebler Pass with the peaceful sounds of the river nearby. For those willing to venture a bit further, Redstone in White River National Forest provides quiet, tree-surrounded sites with warm showers, while Oh Be Joyful Campground near Crested Butte offers spectacular mountain views with an honor system for fees.

Is there RV camping available in Paonia?

Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins (formerly Tall Texan) offers excellent RV accommodations near Paonia and is described by campers as one of the most beautiful RV parks in Colorado. For those wanting to be closer to recreational activities, The Campground at Big B's Delicious Orchards near Hotchkiss provides drive-in access with reservable sites and basic amenities. While Paonia itself has limited RV-specific camping, the surrounding area offers several options with varying levels of hookups and amenities. Most RV sites in the region fill quickly during summer months, so advance reservations are recommended.

What amenities are available at Paonia State Park for campers?

Paonia State Park Campground offers basic amenities in a rustic setting. The campground is located about 15 miles from town and features vault toilets, drinking water, and fire rings at each site. The sites are situated under shrubs that provide some shade but can harbor mosquitoes, especially during wet seasons. While the park includes a reservoir, water levels can fluctuate significantly, sometimes completely drying up by late summer. Some campers experience wildlife encounters, including cattle from nearby ranches occasionally wandering through. For more amenities, Crawford State Park nearby offers more reliable water recreation and better-maintained facilities.

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